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But some foodies got past the controversial images and saw the funny side.

Kevin Trooper Allsopp created a rhyme for the advertisement. He said: “Away in a manger, there’s Greggs in the crib, the little lord Jesus, got crumbs on his bib.”

Another amused reader said: “I’m more concerned that the wise men bring the right condiments.”

One said: “The best bit about the whole thing is the fact that someone has already taken a bite out of Baby Jesus.”

A limited number of the calendars will go on sale in selected Greggs shops across the UK from Monday, November 20 until stocks last, priced at £24.

The cover image features the much-loved Festive Bake in a cheery Santa Claus themed bag and bears the jolly greeting ‘Merry Greggsmas', according to the Liverpool Echo.

Each door reveals a festive scene with a uniquely Greggs twist, such as kissing a Festive Bake under the mistletoe, a Christmas tree adorned with mini gingerbread tree biscuits and shepherds paying a nativity homage to a sausage roll in a manger.

A Greggs spokesperson said: “Novelty advent calendars have been around for years, so we thought it was time to take the concept up a notch.

"Fans won’t be disappointed by what’s behind the doors - there’s a delicious Greggs gift to enjoy every day of the December advent season, from sausage rolls to Christmas sandwiches and of course our infamous Festive Bake. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for every Greggs fan.”

Each calendar is worth between £35 - £60, and the advent calendar vouchers can be redeemed in shops from December 1 up to and including December 24, 2017.